WSA TAKES A LOOK AT ITSELF AND ITS FUTURE

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Wine & Spirit Association has created a working group to look into every aspect' of its purpose, governance and structure. Leading the initiative is Joanna Delaforce, the chair of the WSA and a director of importer HwCg. She said: This is a continuation of the modernisation process that has been happening for a number of years at the WSA. The process will be chaired by Dr Barry Sutton [a former head of The Wine Society], who is internationally respected. He will lead a group of eight members who will all be senior people from across the wine and spirits trades.' An independent analyst, who specialises in trade associations, will also be involved. Delaforce highlighted the growth in the wine trade and the current political climate, both fiscal and social, as the main reasons a review is needed. She added that the study was not a reaction to the emergence of the Wine Trade Action Group, formed earlier this year. We have welcomed the work of WTAG in providing, for the first time, a coherent view of the priorities of the sector,' she said. The group plans to report back by next summer.